Pupils generate special Fiji delivery

John Paul College pupils Josh Balmer (left), 12, Cameron Huxford, 12, Maia Renata-Horn, 11, Jorja Andrews, 12, and Anna Armstrong, 12 help load the boxes bound for Fiji. Photo / Stephen Parker

A slice of John Paul College is heading to cyclone-ravaged Fiji thanks to the generosity of local students.

A dozen boxes of textbooks, school uniforms and food are headed to the Pacific island following the devastating Cyclone Winston last month.

Teacher Gillian Cook said the idea came about from the group of "Young Vinnies" which the school runs. The group of 30 mainly Year 7 - Year 9 students do community projects throughout the year.

Mrs Cook said the group teamed up with Mainfreight who were taking the boxes to Auckland free. They'll then be loaded into the shipping container being sent to the islands organised by Pacific Kids.

She said because Fiji had the same curriculum as New Zealand it made sense to send the old textbooks over.

"We have purchased new ones so instead of throwing the old editions out we decided to send them over."

They could then be used as textbooks or as sets of worksheets for kids.

"They make really good class sets. There's months of work for them for maths or science classes."

She said the school was also sending to Fiji white polo shirts and blazers, which could have the pocket with the John Paul College logo cut off.

"We don't know which school will receive the items but just knowing that we have touched the hearts of students who have lost everything and assisted teachers with preparation of work, when photocopying is not an option, means a great deal to us. Solidarity in social justice actions such as this are at the core of what Catholic school education is about."

One of the students, 12-year-old Anna Armstrong said she wanted to help.

"If you were in the same position as the Fijian people are in at the moment, you would want people to help you too."

Fellow student Maia Renata-Horn said it was important to donate items, especially for children who had suffered.